In this digital era, data is very important to innovation rather than only an outcome of an organisation. Skilled professionals who can analyse and utilise data have an increasing demand, from artificial intelligence in finance to predictive analytics in healthcare. Acknowledging the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the data science sector, there was one IIT which became the first IIT to offer a B.Tech degree in Data Science.
The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to offer a complete Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Data Science was the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. This degree was first launched in May 2019. The B.Tech in Data Science and Engineering program welcomed its inaugural class of students in August of the same year. This degree was launched in response to the increasing need for data science specialists. This degree teaches students to gather, analyse, and process massive data sets to produce useful insights.
Since then, other IITs, such as IIT Guwahati (2021) and IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur (both introduced this course in 2024).
Why IIT Mandi Introduced the B.Tech in Data Science?
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi is renowned for its advanced educational philosophy. The institute, which is located in the picturesque Himalayan region, has always placed a strong emphasis on research-driven and cutting-edge programs. Due to the exponential growth in data, IIT Mandi launched the B. Tech in Data Science (DSE), realising the urgent need for qualified professionals to analyse it. The major focus of the program is to connect theory, like maths, computer science, and statistics.
Given below are some of the reasons why IIT Mandi introduced a Bachelor of Technology degree in Data Science and Engineering:-
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What is the Structure of B.Tech in Data Science at IIT Mandi?
Recent developments in technology have made Data Science important. As a result, we now have the Internet of Things (IoT), which consists of a vast amount of storage in global clouds, a global Internet with nearly infinite bandwidth, and a multitude of sensors. To understand this phenomenon and transform the information found in the data into actionable strategies, such as new scientific discoveries, policy making, business applications, healthcare, etc., there was a growing need to capture, analyse, and synthesise this vast amount of data sets in several application domains.
What is Data Science?
Data science is the field which uses a variety of techniques and methods from the fields of computer science, mathematics, and applied statistics to analyse vast amounts of data to gain more insight and make better decisions for a variety of reasons.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi launched a four-year bachelor’s program in light of the growing significance of the data science paradigm course on Data Science and Engineering (DSE). The Data Science and Engineering program’s curriculum focuses on introducing students to the fundamentals of applied statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics that are important in the context of data science and its applications, with a strong emphasis on gaining practical experience through practicals, labs, and real-world problem-solving.
Given below is the list of core courses that are offered by IIT Mandi in B.Tech in Data Science and Engineering, which will offer a total credit for course 30:-
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What are the Career Opportunities available after a B.Tech in Data Science?
A major development in Indian technical education, the Bachelor of Technology in Data Science represents a commitment to multidisciplinary research and innovation in the digital era. For those students who wish to pursue their careers in the field of data science, analytics, and artificial intelligence, this program is much more than just a degree; it is a clear path to a high-growth career.
Given below is a list of some of the career opportunities available once a student graduates with a B.Tech degree in Data Science:-
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A major turning point in Indian technical education, IIT Mandi’s B.Tech in Data Science reflects the school’s dedication to interdisciplinary study and innovation. This program is more than just a degree for students who are enthusiastic about data, analytics, and artificial intelligence; it's a doorway to the future of technology.